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Alberta's Smith to pursue immigration reforms, hints changes could take time

  • Jack Farrell

    Jack Farrell

  • Canadian Press

  • October 20, 2026

Voter ballot boxes to be used for the 2026 Alberta referendum in Edmonton on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James Maclennan

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will be moving ahead with sweeping changes to immigration after Monday's referendum.

But she's hinting that it be some time before her government takes action.

While there are still ballots remaining to be counted, it appears Albertans are approving eight of the nine immigration and constitutional questions Smith put to voters, while also overwhelmingly rejecting separation.

The constitutional questions appear to be coming down to the wire, but Smith says Albertans have given her a mandate to take action on immigration.

Those proposals include introducing fees for temporary residents seeking health care and education and allowing the province more of a say on who comes to Alberta to work.

She says the government will pursue those policies in the months -- and years -- ahead.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.